A story of love and companionship that changes our world
We share most of our greatest moments with a companion animal. Pets are not just animals that live in our house, they are part of our history, our heart, our family.
This relationship with our pets, according to scientific research, offers multiple benefits to our health and to our general well-being. For instance, in Europe 46% of families have at least one pet in their home and this fact proves how important companion animals are in our everyday life.
A timeless love story
The human- animal bond dates back many centuries. From the first guardian dogs in front of the caves to the caresses we exchanged with the animals in the first societies, pets have always been by our side, a constant companion on the journey of life. This connection is more than just coexistence, it is a deep-rooted need for love and care.
The benefits of living with pets
Studies have shown that pets don’t only offer emotional support, but they also consist true allies in our health. According to Jeremy Barron, Medical Director at John Hopkins Hospital, pets offer an amazing variety of benefits for people’s health.
- Stress reduction
Research has shown that even simply petting a dog reduces the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) while, simultaneously, it increases the levels of oxytocin (the love hormone). In fact, in a recent study, an impressive 84% of the participating patients with post-traumatic stress disorder reported a significant reduction in symptoms, and the 40% of them managed to reduce the medication they were taking.
- Lower blood levels
One of the most important benefits of reducing cortisol and increasing oxytocin through petting is the maintaining of normal blood pressure. “When you pet or hold an animal, you get the chance to appreciate the beauty of nature,” Barron explains. “It’s a relaxing and uplifting experience.”
- Increase physical activity
How many people are willing to go outside at the very first light of the day or to go walking no matter the weather conditions? Dog owners simply can’t choose – they have to walk their pet, so, they get to exercise on a daily basis with no excuses.
- Boost cardiovascular health
According to the American Heart Association, pet owners- and especially dog owners- are 31% less likely to die from a heart attack or a stroke than people who don’t own a pet.
- Relief from loneliness and depression
Many studies have been conducted about the benefits that companion animals offer with regards to depression and the results are more than encouraging.
“Taking care of a pet provides a sense of purpose for the owner,” says Barron.
- Offer to society
What is more, the positive impact of pets is not limited to the narrow confines of the home. Animals have the ability to bring people closer together, to create communities of common purpose, and to cultivate empathy.
Daily walks and activities with animals encourage interaction with other people, expand the social circle, and create new, meaningful relationships.
A circle of love and care
In every moment we share with our pets, the care we give — including wholesome nutrition — returns to us in countless meaningful ways. Animals teach us the value of patience, selflessness, and the joy found in the simple pleasures of life. They inspire us to become better people.
Pet love, a gift to society
Pets are an invaluable gift, as they are our family, our friends, our companion and our soul-healers. Science comes to verify what we have always known: the love received by pets deeply and greatly influences both us individually as people and our society as a whole.
Let’s keep on contributing to this special relationship, offering them the love, care and respect they deserve. Because, as we believe at Tanko, when “Pets are Family”, every choice we make is guided by the care and well-being of our pets.
